Studio One Anthology

I purchased this almost exclusively to see the original production of '12 Angry Men', which is quite good, but not quite as compelling as the full Hollywood movie treatment with Henry Fonda, which shares three actors from this original TV production. The collection is fascinating for its breadth of stories that were turned into dramas. Some are brilliantly acted, others are a little ragged. The production values of the programs are perhaps the best one may expect for early live television, but even that is instructive in seeing how they tried to deal with such a new medium back then. For example, in a particularly charged moment of '12 Angry Men', a camera lens is clearly seen to the side on screen as the camera's operator obviously tried for a compelling alternative to what was at that moment being broadcast. It's okay of course, but some might judge these programs by modern standards that would never allow such a mistake to be broadcast; the obvious benefit of pre-recorded programming. Another obvious "weakness" of these programs is the image that is shown for each program. Black and white TV/kinescope, minimalist or avant-garde set designs, odd lighting, sudden cuts, and single shots that last for minutes, etc., can wear on the modern viewer used to slick imagery and transitions. Nevertheless, like reading a classic novel from an earlier era, one must resolve to "get through it." Doing the work pays off with great rewards.Many of these programs are memorable for their acting. I found it most interesting, for example, to see 'Julius Caesar' played by Theodore Bikel, (who was the original Captain Von Trapp on Broadway) in one program. And Bob Cummings's version of the lone holdout in '12 Angry Men' is far different from Henry Fonda's. Finally seeing a production of Gian Carlo Menotti's "tele-opera" 'The Medium' was also amazing. The list of young or "unknown" actors that passed through these casts and that later became household names is staggering. Jack Lemmon, Eddie Albert, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Lee Remick, Sal Mineo, Ralph Meeker, Eva Marie Saint, Cyril Ritchard, James Daly, Vincent Gardenia, Charlton Heston and Lloyd Bochner are among many familiar faces, and the writing by the likes of Reginald Rose, Gore Vidal, Ring Lardner, and Rod Serling is equally impressive. Yul Brynner is listed as a director on a couple programs, as well.To top it off, many of the programs include the inimitable Betty Furness hawking Westinghouse appliances (live) during the commercial breaks (Westinghouse sponsored the broadcasts). These are historical, too, in looking at what was sold and how it was sold, and at whom the ads were aimed.Early television must have been a weird and wonderful world to work in, as evidenced by these productions. They were learning new things with each and every broadcast, no doubt, and yet they seem intent on acting as if this were not a fledgling industry with a tiny, but slowly growing audience. These programs cover the gamut from Shakespeare to Lardner, futuristic dystopia to the contemporary Korean War, modern courtroom drama to Biblical judgment, comedy and love stories to drama and suspense. It's a full buffet of options, and hardly something you can sit down to and watch all at once. Nevertheless, it is a worthy collection to add to one's library, particularly if one has a historical interest in television. The accompanying guide is extremely informative as well.

I admit I have not watched every one of the seventeen programs on this STUDIO ONE anthology but I have seen about half and from those experiences, I can pass on how surprised at how excellent they are and how they have successfully survived the "age factor". The immensely talented writers engaged for this series speaks volumes for the producers and the quality that was aimed for by CBS and Westinghouse. The gifted Reginald Rose penned five including the all-time classic "Twelve Angry Men" but also gems like "Dino" with Sal Mineo, the very original "The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners" and the unusual and very poignant "The Death and Life of Larry Benson" boasting lovely performances by Peg Hillias and a very young Lee Remick. And when you consider there are two shows each by Gore Vidal, Rod Serling and Worthington Miner (and even one by that old bard William Shakespeare) you know you're in for something very special when you continue delving into this box of early television treasures.The programs in this collection were kinescoped (filmed off a television screen during broadcast) and originally aired on CBS between 1948 and 1956. The fact that we can see them today is remarkable as they were accidentally discovered during the demolition of the Westinghouse factory in Ohio in 1997. Our thanks to that eagle-eyed foreman!Some of the notable actors presented on these six discs include Franchot Tone, Robert Cummings, Edward Arnold, Jack Lemmon,Eva Marie Saint, Eddie Albert, Wendell Corey, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Art Carney, Ralph Meeker, Marsha Hunt, Charlton Heston, Miriam Hopkins and Elizabeth Montgomery. And that's just the cream off the top!Sure, they're old and in black and white and suffer a bit from wear and a little limited from early television shortcomings, but the quality of these old shows are still there and deserve our admiration. And who can forget the wonderful Betty Furness who hosts those well done and still very interesting Westinghouse commercials which are tastefully presented at the end of each act in these one-hour "live" productions? An extra bonus is the excellent 52 page booklet which details the history of Studio One and the programs in this collection with an array of archival photos, all put together in a very attractive fold-out box. The important thing about this set is that they are all well worth watching; you won't be disappointed!

if the rest of this collection are as interesting as the ones I've viewed so far, especially the three Richard Rose scripts, this is seventeen hours of pure gold. the Westinghouse commercials included are either fascinatingly quaint or very irritating, depending on how urgently you want to get on with the drama!

Mindblowingly awesome compilation of Studio One episodes. If you love vintage TV shows from the first era of "live" television, and quality tele-scripting , you'll love this set. Videophiles will understand that these are kinescopes from the late '40s and early '50s quality is dodgy at times. But that's OK. Set includes a detailed guide with informative write-ups on each episode. Most DVDs have "extras" as well. Worth every penny.